By Brandon Brady

What's the Buzz?
We should be ashamed of ourselves, and we'll probably be damned for our actions. But sadly, CityBeat will not be in attendance at this year's SCRIPPS SPELLING BEE FOR LITERACY, ably defending our title as losers. The scars of last year's defeat have yet to heal. But even if we won't have an active hand in this year's cutthroat challenge, we still want to give it a deserving nod for its worthy efforts. For those who don't read Writer's Block religiously (though I can't imagine who wouldn't), the Scripps Spelling Bee is the annual event that benefits the Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati. Local companies send teams of three to duke it out in a battle royale of smarts. This year, the big show, which takes place Monday at 1 p.m., moves to the Cincinnati Museum Center. (Betcha some type of 'saurus or another will be one of the chosen words.) The competition won't be as stiff or as exciting without our presence, but it'll still be a worthwhile endeavor. For more information, call 513-621-7323.

I'm the Judge
Apparently, I've been selected as a judge for THE 2001 MERCANTILE LIBRARY SHORT STORY COMPETITION. Yep. It came as a complete surprise to me, too. Not that I'm not thrilled to have this sort of power. I just hope I can live up to the expectations that come with it. Clearly, the Mercantile wasn't aware that I'm a closet Dawson's Creek lover when they selected me. That being said, all you aspiring writers probably want the rules. Entries must include four copies of an original unpublished story not to exceed 2,500 words. Entry fee is $15 for each story submitted, but multiple entries are allowed. Add a cover sheet with pertinent info like your name, address, daytime phone and a signed statement saying your work is really your work. Entries need to be postmarked no later than March 21, but can be hand-delivered by noon to Mercantile on April 2. Send entries to Mercantile Library, 414 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Cash prizes abound, and the winning entry, to be announced in May, will be published in CityBeat. Oh, yeah -- don't send us any crap. Need more info? Don't call me. Ask those guys at the Mercantile at 513-621-0717.

contact brandon brady : bbrady@citybeat.com

E-mail Brandon Brady

Games People Play (January 18, 2001)
Writer's Block (December 21, 2000)
Top Ten Books (December 14, 2000)
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